Packers 2013 grades: Offense

Jan. 11, 2014

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) shouts instructions to his players in the first quarter during the team's Week 2 game against Washington at Lambeau Field. / Evan Siegle/Press-Gazette Media

QUARTERBACKS

Aaron Rodgers

Missed first extensive action of career. In eight games he sat out with broken collarbone, Packers went 2-5-1. In nine games he started and finished, Packers went 6-3. Directed signature 87-yard game-winning drive in regular-season finale to beat Bears for NFC North title, with 48-yard fourth-down TD pass to Randall Cobb with 38 seconds remaining the highlight of season. Had better regular-season completion percentage (66.6) than career mark (65.7) entering 2013 season and matched his career passer rating (104.9). Tied single-game franchise record with 480 yards passing vs. Washington in Week 2.

Grade: A-minus.

Matt Flynn

After being cast off by three NFL teams, was signed Nov. 12 and helped salvage the Packersí season by directing three improbable comebacks (two wins, one tie) during Rodgersí absence. Became first QB in franchise history to throw four second-half TD passes, which helped turn a 26-3 halftime deficit against Dallas Cowboys into dramatic 37-36 victory. He also rallied Packers from 23-7 second-half deficit to 26-26 tie against Minnesota and a 21-10 halftime deficit into 22-21 victory against Atlanta. Finished with 86.1 passer rating. Endured rough outing at Detroit and finished 2-2 as starter.

Grade: C.

Scott Tolzien

Came on in relief of Seneca Wallace against Philadelphia, then struggled in two starts before getting benched in favor of Flynn. Threw just one TD pass compared to five interceptions and Packers went 0-2 on his watch. Signed to practice squad after training camp but a student of the game who impressed coaches by picking up the offense quickly. Showed enough potential to be given chance to become Rodgersí primary backup in future.

Grade: D-plus.

Seneca Wallace

After sitting out 2012 season, was signed after training camp to serve as the No. 2 QB when Graham Harrell, B.J. Coleman and Vince Young didnít make the grade. Struggled to a 53.4 passer rating when Rodgers went down early in Chicago Bears game, then completed 5 of 5 passes in start against Eagles before suffering season-ending groin injury. Not expected to be back next season.

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Grade: D.

RECEIVERS

Jordy Nelson

Recorded career highs with 85 regular-season receptions for 1,314 yards despite Rodgers going down for half the season. Besides catches and yards, led receivers in total targets (120), yards per catch (15.5), touchdowns (8) and yards after catch (428). Had 10 catches for 161 yards in regular-season finale against Bears. Used effectively as slot receiver, and especially adept at catching sideline passes. Dropped six passes all season. Made 14 would-be tacklers miss.

Grade: A-minus.

Randall Cobb

Opened season with pair of 100-yard receiving games but broke leg in Week 5 and missed 10 games. Made triumphant return in regular-season finale in Chicago when he caught two touchdown passes, including game-winner with 38 seconds left. Remains a dangerous weapon who forces defenses to game plan for him, and along with Nelson forms formidable 1-2 punch. Dropped just one pass in 42 targets.

Grade: B.

James Jones

Had two 100-yard receiving games in first four games but after suffering knee injury in Week 5 at Baltimore and missing nearly three games, was never the same and never went over century mark again. Production dropped from last season in targets (93 to 88), catches (64 to 59) and touchdowns (14 to 3). Dropped four passes, none more crucial than a downfield throw in traffic in playoff game against 49ers.

Grade: B-minus.

Jarrett Boykin

With Cobb missing more than half the season, the second-year receiver found his niche. Didnít catch a pass in first four games but finished with 49 catches, 681 yards and three touchdowns. Dropped five passes but only two came after Week 2. Alertly picked up Rodgersí fumble and ran it in for touchdown to help beat Bears in regular-season finale. Was targeted just once and got shut out in 49ersí playoff game.

Grade: C.

Chris Harper

Drafted by Seattle in the fourth round and claimed off waivers from San Francisco on Oct. 18, the 6-foot-1, 228-pound Kansas product appeared in four games, mostly on special teams, and didnít catch any passes.

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Grade: Incomplete.

Myles White

Opened season on practice squad. Signed to active roster Oct. 15 after Cobb and Jones suffered knee injuries. Appeared in seven games and caught nine passes for 66 yards. Suffered knee injury in Week 14 and landed on injured reserve.

Grade: Incomplete.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Josh Sitton

Switched from right guard to left guard in the offseason and enjoyed a smooth transition by turning in his best season. Named Pro Bowl alternate. Allowed just one sack and his total of eight quarterback sacks/hits/hurries allowed was big improvement from last seasonís 21, when he played in Pro Bowl. Rated second-best guard in NFL by Pro Football Focus and best pass-blocking guard. Played all 1,205 offensive snaps. Called for seven penalties, one more than last season.

Grade: A-minus.

T.J. Lang

Switched from left guard to right guard in offseason and showed improvement in third full season as starter, particularly his run-blocking. Gave up three sacks compared to nine last season. Total of 26 sacks/hits/hurries allowed is same as 2012. Shifted to center mid-game against Eagles and second Lions game after Evan Dietrich-Smith got hurt. Played 98 percent of snaps, going out with concussion in first Bears game. Called for five penalties, one less than last year. Rated 15th-best NFL guard by Pro Football Focus.

Grade: B-minus.

Evan Dietrich-Smith

Provided upgrade over an over-the-hill Jeff Saturday, last seasonís primary starter at center, especially as a run-blocker. Allowed five sacks and a total of 16 sacks/hits/hurries. Missed parts of two games with injuries but played 94 percent of offensive snaps. Called for three penalties. Rated 8th-best NFL center by Pro Football Focus.

Grade: C-plus.

David Bakhtiari

Became first Packers rookie to start all 16 games at left tackle since 1978 after preferred starter Bryan Bulaga suffered season-ending knee injury in training camp. Allowed 10 sacks, including three in Detroit on Thanksgiving and two in each of the 49ers games. Left plenty of room for improvement as run-blocker. Was called for team-high 13 penalties and gave up combined 43 sacks/hits/hurries, tied for highest among starters.

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Grade: C.

Don Barclay

Struggled at times in first full season as starting right tackle. Allowed 10 sacks, including two in playoff loss to 49ers. Had a combined 43 sacks/hits/hurries, tied for team high. Graded out slightly worse as run-blocker. Called for five penalties. Suffered knee injury in Week 10 and missed two games. Played 86 percent of offensive snaps.

Grade: C-minus.

Marshall Newhouse

Lost battle for starting right tackle job to Barclay in training camp and never regained his edge. Started twice when Barclay was injured but didnít play well, giving up six combined QB hits/hurries against the New York Giants and seven hits/hurries in the second Vikings game. Inserted at right guard against Lions on Thanksgiving but struggled badly and was benched. Played just 13 snaps the rest of season. Gave up team-high average of one sack/hit/hurry every 12.4 snaps.

Grade: D-minus.

Bryan Bulaga

Tore ACL during Family Night scrimmage Aug. 3 and underwent season-ending knee surgery. Has missed last 26 games after injuring hip in Week 9 of 2012 season. Rehabbing in preparation for 2014 training camp.

Grade: Incomplete.

Derek Sherrod

Still suffering effects from broken leg in December 2011, opened season on physically unable to perform list. Returned to practice Oct. 16 and was added to 53-man roster Nov. 5. Appeared in eight games, mostly on special teams, and played six offensive snaps at Detroit at right tackle.

Grade: Incomplete.

Lane Taylor

Appeared in 10 games, mostly on special teams, and played just 14 offensive snaps at right guard. Inactive for final four games.

Grade: Incomplete.

JC Tretter

Began season on physically unable to perform list after breaking ankle in spring. Returned to practice Nov. 19 and activated Dec. 10. Spent final four weeks on game-day inactive list.

Grade: Incomplete.

Greg Van Roten

Started season as top backup at interior line positions. Appeared in first three games on special teams. Suffered foot injury in practice following Week 4 bye and landed on injured reserve Oct. 15.

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Grade: Incomplete.

Running backs

Eddie Lacy

Set rookie franchise regular-season records for carries (284), rushing yards (1,178) and touchdowns (11). Second-round draft choice led all rookies in rushing yards and is candidate for NFL rookie of year honors. Missed all but first series vs. Washington plus the Cincinnati game due to a concussion. Had 35 catches for 257 yards. His 21-carry, 141-yard effort at Dallas helped spark Packers to second-half comeback victory after trailing by 23 points. His only fumble came in season opener at San Francisco. Considered above-average pass-blocker. Punishing runner who picks up extra yards with second and third efforts. Made would-be tacklers miss 62 times. Of his 1,259 rushing yards, including playoff game, 55 percent came after contact.

Grade: A-minus.

John Kuhn

Pro Football Focus rates him as third-best fullback in the NFL and second-best blocking fullback. Heís a reliable, tough and savvy veteran who brings stability on field and in locker room. His block against Chicagoís Julius Peppers that enabled Rodgers to escape long enough to throw winning touchdown pass to win the NFC North title in the regular-season finale will be long remembered. So will his plunge for first down on fourth-and-1 to keep game-winning drive alive against the Bears. When not helping offense in limited snaps, heís core special teams contributor. Scored fourth-quarter touchdown to give Packers short-lived lead against 49ers in playoffs. Mishandled blocked punt at Baltimore in rare special teams gaffe.

Grade: B-minus.

James Starks

Runs hard and serves as capable backup behind Lacy. Including the playoff game, rushed 94 times for 522 yards, a 5.6-yard average. A total of 54 percent of his rushing yards came after contact. He made 20 would-be tacklers miss and scored three touchdowns. Missed 3Ĺ games with knee injury, but appearance in 14 games matches career high. Had one fumble and one dropped pass. Considered average pass-blocker.

Grade: C-plus.

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Johnathan Franklin

Fourth-round rookie came on in relief of Starks in second half of Week 3 game at Cincinnati and rushed 13 times for 103 yards and touchdown. Rushed six times for 4 yards the rest of season. Suffered concussion/neck injury in Week 12 and placed on injured reserve Nov. 27. Fumbled twice in 23 total touches on offense. Struggled to find rhythm on kickoff returns (four runbacks, 82 yards, 20.5 average).

Grade: D-plus.

Kahlil Bell

Signed Dec. 3 to serve as No. 3 halfback but played only special teams in four games. Returned one kickoff for 22 yards and made two tackles.

Grade: Incomplete.

DuJuan Harris

Started two playoff games last season and entered training camp No. 1 on running back depth chart but was placed on season-ending injured reserve in August.

Grade: Incomplete.

TIGHT ENDS

Jermichael Finley

Caught 25 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns in five games he played, which projected to his best season. Sustained concussion against Cincinnati in Week 3, returned for three games only to sustain severe season-ending neck injury in Week 7. Had two drops in 34 targeted passes. Struggled at times with run-blocking duties. Made 10 would-be tacklers miss. Averaged 9.5 yards after the catch.

Grade: B-minus.

Andrew Quarless

Posted career-highs with 32 catches for 312 yards and two touchdowns. Assumed starting tight end duties after Finley was lost for season. Posted back-to-back six-catch, 66-yard performances in victories over Atlanta and Dallas. Caught winning touchdown pass vs. Falcons and drew pass interference call on winning drive vs. Cowboys. Inconsistent run-blocker. Had two drops in 47 targeted passes. Caught just four passes in final three games.

Grade: C-minus.

Brandon Bostick

Appeared in seven games and caught seven passes for 120 yards (17.1-yard average) and a touchdown. Made seven special teams tackles. Played 144 snaps, had three drops in 14 targeted passes. Averaged 8.9 yards after the catch. His first and only touchdown came on a 22-yard pass from Scott Tolzien against Philadelphia. Suffered foot injury against Dallas and was placed on injured reserve Dec. 21. Needs work on run-blocking.

Grade: D-plus.

Ryan Taylor

Considered one of teamís best special teams players. Had five special teams tackles. Played career-high 173 offensive snaps. Caught six passes for 30 yards. Had two drops in nine targeted passes. Missed one game because of knee injury. Blocked first punt of career against Baltimore. Lacked consistency as run-blocker.

Grade: D-plus.

Jake Stoneburner

Opened season on practice squad but signed to active roster Oct. 15. Played in nine games, mostly on special teams, where he recorded two tackles, one missed tackle and two penalties. Played 10 offensive snaps. Was never targeted for pass.